Shower ministry seeks to uphold human dignity of homeless people

by William J. Dagendesh

COLORADO SPRINGS. A parish in the diocese has joined forces with another local church in an effort to expand bathing opportunities for Colorado Springs’ unsheltered neighbors.

Beginning Jan. 7, 2025, Showers to the People (STTP) ministry, through partnership of Sacred Heart Parish, 2021 W. Pikes Peak Ave., and The Sanctuary Church, 1930 W. Colorado Ave., will now be open on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays to provide showers to homeless residents.

The need to provide showers to people on the city’s west side who were living on the streets or in their cars became urgent when Ecumenical Social Ministries closed following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, Sanctuary Church addressed this need by offering Sunday morning showers, after a generous donation enabled the church to remodel the lower level of a historic carriage house on its property and create four shower stalls. The showers are offered in conjunction with the meal the church serves at its Ragamuffin Cafe. However, when demand exceeded capacity, some people were not able to access the showers.

In Spring 2023, Sacred Heart parishioners John Goddard and Donna Wintz discussed the situation with Westside Cares Chief Executive Officer Kristy Milligan. She encouraged Sacred Heart to explore forming a partnership with Sanctuary Church, which wanted to open its showers more frequently but didn’t have the necessary volunteers.

In October 2023, volunteer teams led by Sacred Heart parishioners began opening the showers each Thursday to meet the steadily increasing demand among marginalized residents, while Sanctuary Church continued to operate them on Sundays. Together, the churches currently provide showers for 65-70 men and women weekly.

“In a year’s time, 700 showers have taken place on Thursdays alone. We’re grateful to be part of this service in our community, at a time of skyrocketing homelessness,” Wintz said. In fact, the parish is now organizing teams to open the showers an additional day each week.

“Sacred Heart is organizing and training additional volunteers to add Tuesday to the schedule when showers will be open,” said Goddard, shower ministry coordinator for the parish.

About 80% of shower ministry clients are men, many of whom are repeat attendees. Behind these numbers are neighbors who haven’t bathed in days or weeks. Some need a shower for a job interview or court appearance. Neighbors living on disability, dealing with medical emergencies, and children, seniors and veterans also are among the shower users.

Terry, who is in his 60s, lives in a tent, and Janice, who is in her 70s, has lived on the street for years while awaiting approval for required medical procedures. Bill, a 35-year roofer, lives in his car while seeking affordable rent. Mary and Charles, both in their 60s, also live in their car. Charles, who is blind and recovering from a stroke, relies on Mary to get through the day.

“I’ve been humbled by the grace and dignity shown by the neighbors we serve, and amazed by their character and courage,” Goddard said.

Wintz added, “Because of the direct engagement we have with unsheltered neighbors, we experience our city’s skyrocketing homelessness firsthand and are learning more about the lack of affordable housing in our community.

“Our belief that all people have a fundamental value, which is a result of being human and not based on any other factors, prompts us toward advocacy for newfound friends we have met at the showers and on the streets of Colorado Springs.”

Volunteer Sydney Nazario said, “I enjoy working at the showers. It’s not any different from greeting parishioners at the church door, helping at coffee and donuts or the parish picnic. The heartfelt thanks we receive from those leaving the showers sends me home happy.”

Randy Cloud said being a shower ministry volunteer provides an opportunity to work with his homeless brothers and sisters. He said it’s a pleasure knowing people by name, providing a clean towel or pair of socks and making someone’s life better, even if briefly.

“Volunteering with the shower ministry has made me less judgmental. As I provide this shower, I see the gratitude for what I take for granted. It reminds me of just how blessed I am, and allows a sense of compassion and appreciation to come forth,” Cloud said.

Suzanne Wheeler said volunteering has changed the way she assesses the homeless community whether they are pleasant, appreciative, demanding or angry.

“I have learned to accept, even respect, the anger and gratitude some homeless neighbors express. I am more compassionate and understanding . . . (I) hope this compassion makes the world a better place,” Wheeler said.

The partnership of the two churches underscores what can be accomplished when faith communities work together toward a common goal, Goddard said. 

“Our experience over the past year confirms that providing showers to unsheltered neighbors clearly qualifies as an essential community service. Not only do showers provide a moment of respite for our neighbors, but they also give them the chance to present their best selves for a job interview or court appearance,” he said.

Also, this partnership provides the opportunity for people to join in community-wide relationship-building. “As we get to know more people in our neighborhood, we are experiencing a ripple effect that is a blessing for all of us,” Goddard said.

Shower ministry volunteers serve on monthly teams, with each team scheduled for the same week of every month. Responsibilities include welcoming participants, managing shower assignments, distributing towels and cleaning the facility.

The ministry provides a a clean pair of socks and underwear to each client after their shower. Socks and underwear donations are needed to sustain shower services.

To learn more, contact Goddard at johngoddardjr@icloud.com or Wintz at donnawintz@gmail.com.